Re: BOTM 6/10: Fighting Cock

Got in a tangle with the Kicking Chicken on Saturday night and dusted half a bottle by my lonesome while enjoying a nice bon fire. Every now and then the FC is as smooth as can be, and that was the case that night. I'll be buying another bottle soon!

"I distrust a man who says 'when.' He's got to be careful not to drink too much, because he's not to be trusted when he does." Sydney Greenstreet

Re: BOTM 6/10: Fighting Cock

I bought my first bottle of FC last weekend. I thought I'd do a three-way head to head with similar whiskeys in my cabinet:

JTS Brown BiB: Grassy, slightly sweet nose. Sweet and delicate at first, then a heepin' helpin' of burn. Hot finish with a bit of mint. Not much of a sipper, I kinda feel like I've been assualted, but seems like it would make a good mixer for bolder drinks like whiskey sours or bourbon & coke. Oscar called this the PBR of bourbons. I see what he means.

Old Ezra 7/101: Minty/Eucalyptus nose, much more delicate. It's very soft, even delicate for something at 101 proof. On the palate, it's saltwater taffy, and caramel brownies. The finish is delicate, with a bit of burn, but a lot of mint.

Fighting Cock: The nose is all caramel, practically no mint at all. It is also considerably darker than the other two. Which is odd, since the Old Ezra is a year older, but there may be whiskeys much older thatn 6 y/o in the FC. Surprisingly smooth for 103 proof. A lot of caramel, sweet and smooth. I like this a lot.

Re: BOTM 6/10: Fighting Cock

I like FC a lot. I think it is one of the best value bourbons out there. However it can be improved. Let me explain. If you come across a bottle of the 8 year, which is also very nice on it's own, but a little woody. Try vatting the two together. I had very nice results and lost the short comings that both had. My bottle was from 1997, so they should be out there. All in all a great value.

Re: BOTM 6/10: Fighting Cock

Although its current 6 year incarnation is a little disappointing if you've had the 8 yr, I (Dave) am glad to see FC getting some recognition. Tina doesn't care much for it, but I always found its "in-your-face" quality appealing. The six year is still in your face even though it doesn't have the hint of pepper I remember from the 8 yo version.